Intel talks about new "Pineview" Atom processor

Intel has pulled the wraps off a new Atom processor designed to power the next generation of netbooks. Code-named Pineview, the upcoming processor incorporates a memory controller and graphics circuitry on the same piece of silicon. Together with a new I/O controller code-named Tiger Point, the platform is dubbed Pine Trail. Pine Trail is scheduled to be available in the fourth quarter.

The integration achieved by Pine Trail brings the number of chips down from three to just two, resulting in a cheaper platform with a lower power draw. Of course, the integration of a GPU core into the solution is not making NVIDIA happy, but that's for another story entirely.

I questioned the suitability of netbooks for everyone last week, highlighting that actual mileage will vary with individual usage patterns. It triggered a fair number of responses from readers about their usage patterns, which you can read here. Whatever the case though, the fact is that nearly a fifth of all laptops shipped in Q1 this year are netbooks. And the majority of these netbooks contain Intel's low-power Atom processor.

From this perspective, it is obvious that Pine Trail will be an indication of what netbooks will look like later this year. So what can users expect? Logically, the reduced power draw would hint at netbooks with longer battery life. Still, not much is known about how Intel intends to clock the new Pineview processors at this point. 

As such, it might just be possible that the new processors will be clocked much higher, with the overall platform maintaining the same power envelope as current Atoms. What is your take on this?

To read more:
- check out this article from Ars Technica
- check out this article from InformationWeek

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